The Beat Goes On

Through This Weekend`s Festival Makes The Biggest Splash Of The Year On The Local Scene, There`s More-much More-to Jazz In Chicago. So Jump On In. The Music`s Fine.

An Eclectic Mix Of Clubs For Jazz In All Its Forms

September 01, 1989|By Text by June Sawyers.

In the jumping `20s and `30s-the golden age of Chicago jazz-the music seemed to emanate from every corner. Musicians rehearsed by day and played their hearts out by night at the Savoy, the Friars` Inn, the Three Deuces, the Vincennes, Dreamland and countless other clubs.

Louis Armstrong came to town in 1922 to play in Joseph ``King`` Oliver`s band. Pianist Earl Hines held court in the Grand Terrace Ballroom, and members of the Austin High Gang-including Bud Freeman on tenor sax and Jimmy and Dick McPartland on cornet and banjo-were creating the best music of their lives.

Times have changed, yet the local scene continues to offer a rich assortment of virtually every kind of jazz imaginable, from bebop to modern to swing to avant garde. Here`s a select guide to places that feature jazz on a regular basis (check with individual clubs for times and cover charges):

Ace`s Diner, 4801 N. Broadway; 878-8118. For hungry night owls who prefer a dollop of spicy jazz with their breakfast.

Andy`s, 11 E. Hubbard St.; 642-6805. Noontime jazz. A favorite of office workers who appreciate good jazz with their meal. Emphasis is on mostly traditional and mainstream.

At the Tracks Restaurant and Bar, 325 N. Jefferson St.; 332-1124. It could just as easily be called Off the Beaten Track. Located in a lonely no-man`s land near the Kennedy Expressway, it`s a friendly club-well worth the jaunt-and features one of the most adventurous booking policies around. Avant- garde musicians Ed Wilkerson and the Ritual Trio play here regularly. Improvisational jazz jam on Mondays.

Cairo, 720 N. Wells St.; 266-6620. One suspects patrons frequent this exotic River North bar more to be seen than to listen to jazz. Nevertheless, the decor is stunning and the caliber of talent impressive.

Far Side, 2957 W. Diversey Ave.; 772-5566. New sounds by newer musicians. FitzGerald`s, 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn; 788-6670. One of the best places to hear music whether it be jazz, country or Cajun.

George`s, 230 W. Kinzie St.; 644-2290. The caliber of talent is high at this elegant supper club. Dinner/show packages available.

Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway; 878-5552. One of the most enjoyable places to hear jazz in town, this former speakeasy features big local names and some of the best regulars in town. After-hours jazz features the screaming sax of Mike Finnerty and the Heat Merchants from midnight to 5 a.m. Saturdays.

Jazz Bulls, 1916 Lincoln Park West; 337-3000. Food, drink, jazz. A Chicago institution for more than 25 years, this late-night bar-it`s open until 4 a.m.-now serves dishes from the Not Just Pasta menu.

Joe Segal`s Jazz Showcase, 636 S. Michigan Ave. (Blackstone Hotel);

427-4300. The place to go when you`re in the mood to hear serious jazz played by the biggest names in the business. The indomitable Joe Segal has been a presence on the local jazz scene since 1947 and probably knows more about the music than anybody in town. Chicago`s only non-smoking jazz club.